Introduction
God’s plan through Jesus transforms our lives.
Questions
1. What is the advantage for those who are in Christ?
v 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
2. What is the important difference between the mind of the flesh and the mind of the Spirit?
v 6 to 8 For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace; because the mind of the flesh is hostile towards God; for it is not subject to God’s law, neither indeed can it be. Those who are in the flesh can’t please God.
3. What is Paul's conclusion to what he has been saying in this section of his letter?
v 37 to 39 No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from God’s love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Summary Points
- v 1 to 11 Those in Christ who walk according to the spirit will not be condemned. The mind of the flesh is hostile to God and brings death, but the mind of the spirit is life and peace. If the spirit of God is influencing our thinking and way of life, God will give us life
- v 12 to 17 We can have a real parent-child relationship with God if our behaviour shows we are led by the spirit of God
- v 18 to 25 Despite this we still suffer, but the sufferings of this present life are insignificant compared with the glorious times that are to come. Creation is waiting for deliverance from its decaying state when it will become obvious who the children of God are
- v 26 to 30 God helps us in our struggles in prayer. He makes everything work for the long-term good of all who respond to His call
- v 31 to 39 Since God was prepared to give his beloved Son, Jesus, to die for us, then there is nothing that can separate us from his love